Rain to persist in most of Luzon, Western Visayas through weekend — PAGASA
PAGASA
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Thursday afternoon, July 3, said that persistent rains will continue over most parts of Luzon and Western Visayas through the weekend due to a Low-Pressure Area (LPA) and the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat).
PAGASA weather specialist Benison Estareja reported that as of 3 p.m., the LPA was located over the coastal waters near Sabtang, Batanes.
It is moving slowly away from Batanes toward the northern portion of the West Philippine Sea.
Estareja said the LPA has a high probability of developing into a tropical depression after 24 hours.
Over the weekend, the weather disturbance is expected to gradually move northeast toward the eastern side of Taiwan.
It is forecast to remain slow-moving within the upper portion of the Philippine Area of Responsibility from this weekend through early next week, Estareja said.
While the LPA remains in the northern Philippines, it will continue to enhance the habagat, which will bring sustained rains over large parts of Luzon and Western Visayas.
In its Weather Advisory No. 7 issued at 5 p.m. Thursday, PAGASA warned of heavy rainfall caused by the LPA and habagat.
From Thursday to Friday afternoon, July 4, heavy to intense rains (100 to 200 mm) are expected in Ilocos Norte, Pangasinan, Zambales, and Bataan.
Meanwhile, moderate to heavy rains (50 to 100 mm) are forecast in Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Benguet, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, and Occidental Mindoro.
From Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon, July 5, moderate to heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Batanes, Cagayan, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, and Bataan.
On Saturday afternoon through Sunday afternoon, July 6, Batanes is expected to experience heavy to intense rainfall, while Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan will likely receive moderate to heavy precipitation.
PAGASA also warned that rainfall may be heavier in mountainous and elevated areas, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides, particularly in communities with recent significant antecedent rainfall.
The public and disaster risk reduction and management offices are advised to take all necessary precautions to protect lives and property.